Like most hi-tech inventions, podcasting has a short history. It started taking off in 2004 and really became popular in parallel with the now-ubiquitous iPod® from Apple.

At its most basic level, podcasting is similar to what people do with television - time shifting. You record information and view/listen to it at your leisure. If you’re an iPod owner, once you subscribe to a podcast in iTunes (the iPod’s software), each time you dock your iPod to your computer, the podcasts will automatically download and update your iPod.

There are two basic variations of podcasts. The most common is an audio podcast. Audio podcasts can last anywhere from a minute to an hour or longer. The other type is a video podcast. These are usually shorter in duration simply because the size of the video files becomes enormous very fast, creating very long download times.

How can you use podcasts as a REALTOR® or property developer? For starters, create a weekly podcast describing new listings and tell listeners to send you an e-mail if they are interested in any property in particular. Some REALTORS® create a new podcast for each listing. Or how about occasional podcasts with tips on how to become an educated buyer? Or seller? Many people use their iPods to occupy their time while commuting back and forth to work, while using the gym, etc. Each time they dock their iPod they will be able to hear your vivid descriptions and informative “shows.“

Podcasts aren’t limited to those who own an iPod. MP3 files will play on almost every personal audio product out there. Too, they can be set up for playback directly from your own website - no device needed.

Like blogging, podcasting will be sticking around a while so if you can sit down at a mic for a few minutes you can noticeably enhance your Internet presence.

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